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Biomedical subjects

Hiroshi Miyazaki

Publications and source records attributed to Hiroshi Miyazaki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Growth factor-sensitive molecular targets identified in primary and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using microarray analysis.

Polypeptide growth factors play key roles in the processes of cell migration and invasion. In this study, we have used cDNA microarrays to identify target genes whose expression is differentially modulated by the growth factors TGFbeta and EGF. HN4 and HN12 cell lines, established from primary tumor and a lymph node metastasis arising in one patient with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, were treated with 2nM EGF or 50pM TGFbeta for 24h and extracted RNA was used to prepare labeled cDNAs which were hybridized to NCI UniGem 2.0 cDNA microarrays containing 9128 features. Results revealed constitutive overexpression of 41 genes and underexpression of 109 genes in metastatic HN12 compared to HN4 under conditions of serum withdrawal. Furthermore, TGFbeta treatment resulted in relative upregulation of 53 genes and downregulation of 91 genes in HN12 compared with HN4, whereas cells treated with EGF showed relative upregulation of 67 genes and downregulation of 113 genes. Partial overlap was found between TGFbeta and EGF-modulated gene sets. Results were verified for a subset of each category using quantitative PCR, western blotting and zymography. The data indicate that TGFbeta and EGF differentially affect gene expression in primary and metastatic HNSCC cells, and likely contribute to the invasive properties of metastatic cells through regulation of both common and specific mediators for each growth factor.

Blotting, Western↗

Uncoupling of epidermal growth factor-dependent proliferation and invasion in a model of squamous carcinoma progression.

Cell lines pairs were established from a primary squamous carcinoma of tongue and a lymph node metastasis and their biological behavior characterized. HN12 cells, derived from metastatic SCC, formed tumors upon subcutaneous transplantation to athymic mice, whereas HN4, derived from a primary lesion in the same individual, were non-tumorigenic in this assay. EGF stimulated proliferation of HN4 cells; in comparison, not only were metastatic HN12 cells refractory to the stimulatory effects of this growth factor but showed inhibition at higher growth factor concentrations. However, in contrast to the effects on proliferation, EGF (10 ng/ml) readily induced HN12 cells to invade in Boyden chamber assays whereas HN4 were non-invasive under these conditions. The invasive properties of HN12 cells were apparently independent of MMP-2 activity, as levels of active MMP-2 were higher in the non-invasive cells. However, EGF stimulated MMP-9 activity in invasive cells. Additionally, HN12 cells expressed constitutively high levels of active MMP-7 and MMP-3/10. The pharmacological agents LY294002, PD098059, SP600125, or SB202190 inhibited invasion of HN12 cells, suggesting requirement for phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase- and mitogen activated protein kinase-dependent pathways in the process. The data indicate that distinct biochemical differences distinguish metastatic squamous carcinoma cells from those derived from corresponding primary tumors, resulting in their contrasting biological properties.

Animals↗

Thrombopoietin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with aseptic and bacterial meningitis.

Despite the recent evidence of the localization of thrombopoietin (TPO) and its receptor in the central nervous system (CNS), TPO protein concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) remained to be clarified. We previously reported that serum TPO is increased in children with meningitis. To determine changes in TPO concentrations in the CSF by meningitis and to explore the relationship between serum and CSF TPO concentrations, we measured TPO concentrations in 110 CSF samples and 33 serum/CSF pairs from 11 bacterial meningitis, 49 aseptic meningitis, and 50 nonmeningitis children. In only 12% (13 of 110) of CSF samples (0 bacterial meningitis, 8 aseptic meningitis, and 5 controls), TPO concentrations could be determined (24.1 +/- 29.0 pg/ml). CSF TPO concentrations did not significantly differ among the three groups and did not correlate with age. TPO concentrations in all serum samples were detectable, and mean concentrations in bacterial meningitis (510.6 +/- 237.0 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those in aseptic meningitis (136.6 +/- 71.6, p < 0.01) and controls (181.3 +/- 88.3, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that TPO is not produced in the CNS of patients with meningitis and that TPO did not cross the blood-brain barrier even during meningeal infection.

Adolescent↗

Expression of erythropoietin receptor-like molecule in Xenopus laevis and erythrocytopenia upon administration of its recombinant soluble form.

The regulation of hematopoiesis in non-mammalian vertebrates is poorly understood. This is partly because the structures and effects of most hematopoietic regulators have not been identified. As a first step towards studies on the key mechanism of hematopoietic regulation among phyla as well as the diversity of organisms, we have focused on amphibian hematopoiesis. A cDNA sharing the highest degree of homology with mammalian erythropoietin (EPO) receptors, tentatively named xlEPOR, was cloned from a cDNA library of Xenopus laevis immature erythrocytes. The comparative identities of the deduced entire amino acid sequence to mammalian EPO receptors were quite low, although functional domains indispensable for erythropoietic activities were found in the molecule. Northern analysis revealed that xlEPOR were expressed in peripheral blood cells. In the peripheral blood of phenylhydrazine-treated adult Xenopus, immature erythrocytes expressing xlEPOR were identified by in situ hybridization and immunostaining with polyclonal antibodies to xlEPOR. To confirm the biological functions of this molecule, the extracellular domain of xlEPOR (i.e., soluble xlEPOR) was administered to adult Xenopus by consecutive intracardiac injection. The peripheral erythrocyte counts were decreased gradually; meanwhile, immature erythrocytes appeared in the circulation, demonstrating that xlEPOR plays a significant physiological role in erythropoiesis in Xenopus laevis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Behavior of caveolae and caveolin-3 during the development of myocyte hypertrophy.

Recent studies have indicated that caveolae are enriched in a variety of signaling molecules, some of which are associated with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Caveolin-3, a major constituent of cardiac caveolae, has been suggested to interact with several signaling molecules. We investigated the morphologic changes of caveolae and caveolin-3 expression in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes induced by an alpha1-adrenergic agonist. Cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes were used for the experiments. Phenylephrine induced cellular hypertrophy associated with an increase of the number of caveolae and an up-regulation of caveolin-3. Although PMA increased the number of caveolae and the caveolin-3 expression, the extent of these up-regulations was less than that by phenylephrine. Moreover, ionomycin increased the number of caveolae and up-regulated caveolin-3 as much as phenylephrine. Phenylephrine-induced up-regulations of caveolae and caveolin-3 expression were inhibited by BAPTA, suggesting that the intracellular Ca2+ is involved in those regulations. Inhibitors of calcineurin and Ca2+calmodulin-dependent kinase II attenuated the phenylephrine-induced up-regulation of caveolin-3. In pressure-overloaded rat hearts, caveolin-3 protein levels were increased compared with sham-operated rats. In conclusion, the number of caveolae and the expression of caveolin-3 were up-regulated in rat hypertrophied cardiomyocytes, possibly via the alterations of intracellular Ca2+ and protein kinase C.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists↗

Determination of thrombopoietin-derived peptides recognized by both cellular and humoral immunities in healthy donors and patients with thrombocytopenia.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a cytokine that promotes megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis and is considered a drug suitable for patients with thrombocytopenia. However, unexpected severe thrombocytopenia has developed in some healthy individuals participating in phase I clinical trials with a pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) that contained the first 163 amino acids of endogenous TPO, which resulted in hampering the further development of clinical trials. Autoimmune responses to PEG-rHuMGDF, which cross-reacted with endogenous TPO, were suggested to be involved in this rare but severe adverse event, although the immunogenic epitopes have not yet been determined. To better understand the molecular basis of such autoimmune reactions, we investigated the reactivity of 18 TPO-derived peptides with HLA-A2-binding motifs to plasma and T cells, both from patients with thrombocytopenia (n=24) and from healthy donors (HDs) (n=24). Four peptides, including those possessing amino acids in receptor-binding sites, were preferentially reactive to plasma from at least 20% of the patients, whereas one peptide at position 101-109 was equally reactive to those of the patients and the HDs. Each of the five peptides had the ability to induce peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in both groups, albeit with less frequency among the patients. More important, each of these five peptides had the ability to induce HLA-A2-restricted and peptide-specific CTL activity reactive to cells that produce TPO. These results may provide new insights to gain a better understanding of autoimmune reactions to TPO.

Adult↗

Pheochromocytoma presenting as recurrent hypotension and syncope.

We report a case with pheochromocytoma presenting as recurrent syncope due to hypotension. A 71-year-old man was admitted because of recurrent syncope and paroxysmal hypotension. He was diagnosed as having pheochromocytoma. In spite of a large volume of infusion and insulin therapy, syncope and paroxysmal hypotension continued. We speculated that hypotension was mainly due to vasodilatation caused by excess plasma epinephrine and prescribed a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker. It stabilized blood pressure and syncope disappeared. The right adrenal tumor was excised and he was discharged in good condition. This case report provides some implications for the management of pheochromocytoma complicated with hypotension.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

[Autopsy case of Lewy body dementia associated with abundant argyrophilic grains].

We report an autopsy case showing neuropathologically abundant Lewy bodies and argyrophilic grains. A Japanese woman without hereditary burden developed parkinsonian gait at the age of 74, following by insomnia, memory disturbance, delirium, resting tremor, rigidity, and retropulsion. About 8 months later, a visual hallucination, concerning small worms, children, and so on, became obvious. About 16 months later, malignant lymphoma was detected. About 17 months later, she died of pneumonia. The total duration of illness was approximately one year and five months. The weight of the brain was 1153 g before fixation. Depigmentation of the substantia nigra and locusceruleus was prominent. Many argyrophilic grains were seen in the temporal lobe (T3, T4), amygdala, and hippocampal CA1. Some ballooned neurons were found in the amygdala. Many Lewy bodies were encountered in the transentorhinal region and cingulated gyrus. A few Lewy bodies were seen in the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes. In this case, neuropathological examination is compatible for dementia of Lewy bodies and argyrophilic grain dementia, and clinical course is consistent with dementia of Lewy bodies. This report may contribute to the elucidation of the clinicopathological hallmarks of argyrophilic grain dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Aged↗

Chimeric G alpha i2/G alpha 13 proteins reveal the structural requirements for the binding and activation of the RGS-like (RGL)-containing Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) by G alpha 13.

The alpha-subunit of G proteins of the G(12/13) family stimulate Rho by their direct binding to the RGS-like (RGL) domain of a family of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RGL-RhoGEFs) that includes PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), p115RhoGEF, and LARG, thereby regulating cellular functions as diverse as shape and movement, gene expression, and normal and aberrant cell growth. The structural features determining the ability of G alpha(12/13) to bind RGL domains and the mechanism by which this association results in the activation of RGL-RhoGEFs are still poorly understood. Here, we explored the structural requirements for the functional interaction between G alpha(13) and RGL-RhoGEFs based on the structure of RGL domains and their similarity with the area by which RGS4 binds the switch region of G alpha(i) proteins. Using G alpha(i2), which does not bind RGL domains, as the backbone in which G alpha(13) sequences were swapped or mutated, we observed that the switch region of G alpha(13) is strictly necessary to bind PRG, and specific residues were identified that are critical for this association, likely by contributing to the binding surface. Surprisingly, the switch region of G alpha(13) was not sufficient to bind RGL domains, but instead most of its GTPase domain is required. Furthermore, membrane localization of G alpha(13) and chimeric G alpha(i2) proteins was also necessary for Rho activation. These findings revealed the structural features by which G alpha(13) interacts with RGL domains and suggest that molecular interactions occurring at the level of the plasma membrane are required for the functional activation of the RGL-containing family of RhoGEFs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

WAVE/Scars in platelets.

Using specific antibodies against isoforms of WAVE (WASP [Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein] family Verprolin-homologous protein, also called Scar), we demonstrated that human platelets express all 3 isoforms. With the use of an in vitro pull-down technique, the src homology 3 (SH3) domain of insulin receptor substrate p53 (IRSp53) precipitated WAVE2 from platelet lysates more efficiently than did profilin I. The opposite was true for WAVE1, and neither precipitated WAVE3, suggesting that WAVE isoforms have different affinities to these ligands, while the SH3 domain of abl binds to all 3 isoforms. The 3 WAVE isoforms were distributed in the actin-rich Triton X-100-insoluble pellets following platelet aggregation induced by thrombin receptor-activating peptide. We also found that all 3 WAVE isoforms are substrates for calpain in vivo and in vitro. Although portions of these 3 isoforms were commonly distributed in the actin- and actin-related protein 2 and 3 (Arp2/3)-rich edge of the lamellipodia in spreading platelets, only WAVE2 remained in the cell fringe following detergent extraction or fixation of the cells. Finally, by mass spectrometry, we found that the proteins, which reportedly interact with WAVE/Scars, are present in platelets. These data suggest that the 3 WAVE isoforms exhibit common and distinct features and may potentially be involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton in platelets.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Overexpressed GM1 suppresses nerve growth factor (NGF) signals by modulating the intracellular localization of NGF receptors and membrane fluidity in PC12 cells.

Ganglioside GM1 has been considered to have a neurotrophic factor-like activity. To analyze the effects of endogenously generated GM1, the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 was transfected with the GM1/GD1b/GA1 synthase gene and showed increased expression levels of GM1. To our surprise, GM1+-transfectant cells (GM1+ cells) showed no neurite formation after stimulation with nerve growth factor (NGF). Autophosphorylation of NGF receptor TrkA and activation of ERK1/2 after NGF treatment were scarcely detected in GM1+ cells. Binding of 125I-NGF to PC12 cells was almost equivalent between GM1+ cells and controls. However, dimer formation of TrkA upon NGF treatment was markedly suppressed in GM1+ cells in both cross-linking analysis with Bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate 3 and 125I-NGF binding assay. The sucrose density gradient fractionation of the cell lysate revealed that TrkA primarily located in the lipid raft fraction moved to the non-raft fraction in GM1+ cells. p75NTR and Ras also moved from the raft to non-raft fraction in GM1+ cells, whereas flotillin and GM1 persistently resided in the lipid raft. TrkA kinase activity was differentially regulated when GM1 was added to the kinase assay system in vitro, suggesting suppressive/enhancing effects of GM1 on NGF signals based on the concentration. Measurement of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed that the membrane fluidity was reduced in GM1+ cells. These results suggested that overexpressed GM1 suppresses the differentiation signals mediated by NGF/TrkA by modulating the properties of the lipid raft and the intracellular localization of NGF receptors and relevant signaling molecules.

Animals↗

Structure of the receptor-binding domain of human thrombopoietin determined by complexation with a neutralizing antibody fragment.

The cytokine thrombopoietin (TPO), the ligand for the hematopoietic receptor c-Mpl, acts as a primary regulator of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production. We have determined the crystal structure of the receptor-binding domain of human TPO (hTPO(163)) to a 2.5-A resolution by complexation with a neutralizing Fab fragment. The backbone structure of hTPO(163) has an antiparallel four-helix bundle fold. The neutralizing Fab mainly recognizes the C-D crossover loop containing the species invariant residue Q111. Titration calorimetric experiments show that hTPO(163) interacts with soluble c-Mpl containing the extracellular cytokine receptor homology domains with 1:2 stoichiometry with the binding constants of 3.3 x 10(9) M(-1) and 1.1 x 10(6) M(-1). The presence of the neutralizing Fab did not inhibit binding of hTPO(163) to soluble c-Mpl fragments, but the lower-affinity binding disappeared. Together with prior genetic data, these define the structure-function relationships in TPO and the activation scheme of c-Mpl.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Familial essential thrombocythemia associated with a dominant-positive activating mutation of the c-MPL gene, which encodes for the receptor for thrombopoietin.

One Japanese pedigree of familial essential thrombocythemia (FET) inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner is presented. A unique point mutation, serine 505 to asparagine 505 (Ser505Asn), was identified in the transmembrane domain of the c-MPL gene in all of the 8 members with thrombocythemia, but in none of the other 8 unaffected members in this FET family. The Ba/F3 cells expressing the mutant Asn505 acquired interleukin 3 (IL-3)-independent survival capacity, whereas those expressing wild-type Ser505 did not. The autonomous phosphorylation of Mek1/2 and Stat5b was observed in the mutant Ba/F3 cells in the absence of IL-3. The former was also found in platelets derived from the affected individual in the absence of thrombopoietin. These results show that the Asn505 is an activating mutation with respect to the intracellular signaling and survival of the cells. This is the first report of FET deriving from a dominant-positive activating mutation of the c-MPL gene.

Cells, Cultured↗

Acute carotid arterial occlusion after burr hole surgery for chronic subdural haematoma in moyamoya disease.

Ischaemic strokes and neurological deterioration have been described after revascularisation surgery in patients with moyamoya disease, but accelerated acute occlusion of the internal carotid artery after burr hole surgery has not been reported in this setting. A 66-year-old woman with known moyamoya disease who presented with right motor weakness underwent burr hole surgery for a bilateral chronic subdural haematoma. Postoperatively, the patient had a crescendo transient ischaemic attack and then deteriorated. Angiography showed complete occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Burr hole surgery may cause postoperative acute occlusion of a preexisting stenotic artery in patients with moyamoya disease.

Aged↗

Pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor suppresses the development of megakaryoblastic leukemia in mice.

We examined the effects of pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) on the development of L-8057, a murine megakaryoblastic leukemia that expresses the thrombopoietin receptor c-Mpl, in mice. PEG-rHuMGDF administration prolonged survival of L-8057 leukemic mice, in which L-8057 cell growth in the spleen was decreased. L-8057 cells harvested from PEG-rHuMGDF-treated leukemic mice had decreased ability to generate leukemic colonies in vitro as well as to induce leukemia in vivo. PEG-rHuMGDF administration also resulted in prolonged survival of mice transplanted with a c-Mpl-expressing erythroleukemia, but had no effect on survival of mice transplanted with a myeloblastic leukemia that does not possess c-Mpl. Thus, PEG-rHuMGDF suppresses the development of c-Mpl-expressing leukemia in vivo in mice.

Animals↗

Simultaneous determination of dehydroepiandrosterone and its 7-oxygenated metabolites in human serum by high-resolution gas chromatography--mass spectrometry.

A highly sensitive and specific method has been developed for the simultaneous measurement of free (unconjugated) or sulfate-conjugated forms of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 7alpha-hydroxy-DHEA (7alpha-OH-DHEA), 7beta-hydroxy-DHEA (7beta-OH-DHEA), and 7-oxo-DHEA (7-oxo-DHEA) in human serum. This method is based upon a stable isotope-dilution technique by gas chromatography-selected-ion monitoring mass spectrometry. Free steroids were extracted from serum with an organic solvent and the sulfate-conjugated steroids remained in aqueous phase. Free steroids were purified by solid-phase extraction, while sulfate-conjugated steroids were hydrolyzed by sulfatase and deconjugated steroids were purified by solid-phase extractions. The extracts were treated with O-methylhydroxylamine hydrochloride and were subsequently dimethylisopropylsilylated. The resulting methyloxime-dimethylisopropylsilyl (MO-DMIPS) ether derivatives were quantified by gas chromatography-selected-ion monitoring mass spectrometry in a high-resolution mode. The detection limits of MO-DMIPS ether derivatives of DHEA, 7alpha-OH-DHEA, 7beta-OH-DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA were 1.0, 0.5, 0.5 and 2.0pg, respectively. Coefficients of variation between samples ranged from 10.6 to 22.9% for free 7-oxygenated DHEA to less than 10% for DHEA and sulfate-conjugated 7-oxygenated DHEA. The concentrations of these steroids were measured in 18 sera samples from healthy volunteers (9 males and 9 females; aged 23-78 years). Free DHEA, 7alpha-OH-DHEA, 7beta-OH-DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA levels ranged between 0.21-3.55, 0.001-0.194, 0.003-0.481, and 0.000-0.077ng/ml, respectively, and the sulfate-conjugated steroid levels of these metabolites ranged between 253-4681, 0.082-3.001, 0.008-0.903, and 0.107-0.803ng/ml, respectively. The free DHEA-related steroid concentrations were much lower than those previously measured by RIA and low-resolution GC-MS. The present method made it possible to determine simultaneously serum DHEA-related steroid levels with sufficient sensitivity and accuracy.

Adult↗